"An Educational Opportunity to Internalize the Values of the Constitution and Democracy"
Kim Daejung, Superintendent of Education in Jeonnam, has recommended that all schools in the province independently decide whether to watch the live broadcast of the Constitutional Court's verdict on the impeachment trial of President Yoon Sukyeol, scheduled for the 4th.
On the 2nd, Superintendent Kim announced on his Facebook page, "The Jeonnam Office of Education has sent an official notice to all schools in the province, recommending that they watch the live broadcast of the impeachment verdict for President Yoon Sukyeol, which will take place on the 4th."
Regarding this, Superintendent Kim explained, "The intention is to provide students with an opportunity to directly witness the procedures of democracy and the functions of constitutional institutions through the Constitutional Court's decision, and to use this as an educational chance to internalize the values of the Constitution and democracy."
He added, "While each school is free to decide whether to watch the live broadcast, the Office of Education plans to actively guide schools so that as many students as possible can watch the Constitutional Court's decision and understand the democratic decision-making process. We also aim to ensure that this becomes an opportunity for students to discuss democracy in the classroom and develop their civic consciousness."
He further stated, "At this critical moment that will determine the constitutional order of the Republic of Korea, classrooms in Jeonnam will become forums where democracy is alive and breathing. The Office of Education recently conducted training for principals and institution heads on the theme of 'Protecting the Values of Democracy and the Constitution,' and has distributed related educational materials to schools."
This decision has been met with mostly positive responses in the educational field. In particular, the prevailing opinion is that, since the decision is left to the schools rather than being mandated, most will discuss with principals and decide to watch the live broadcast if possible.
The principal of a high school in Muan said, "The school has decided to have students watch the Constitutional Court proceedings. We believe this is a living educational process that helps students grow into healthy democratic citizens, which is why we made this decision." The school also plans to hold discussions with students about democracy and the spirit of 'ui (righteousness)' after watching the trial.
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